PROMINENT MAORI.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 234, 3 October 1935, Page 11

PROMINENT MAORI.

MR. "PAUL THOMAS" DIES.

\ WHAKABE WAREWA AUTHORITY.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, this day.

The death at Whak; irewarewa yesterday afternoon of Mr. Paora Tamiti, a descendant of one of tho paramount chiefs of the Tuliourangi Tribe, removed yet another of the ciders of the tribe who, by right, for many years took a prominent part ii> tho counsels of the Maori people. His accurate knowledge of the early traditions and customs of the race proved invaluable to both his own people and the pakeha.

Mr. Paora Tamiti, who was better known as Mr. Paul Thomas, was aged about 07 years, and was well known to visitors to the pa. His death followed an illness of some months. In his early life he was a noted carver, and much of his work is to be seen in various parts of the pa. He visited England some years ago, with the late Maggie Papakura's party, and on that occasion was presented to His Majesty the &King. During the recent King's Jubilee function in Rotorua he was selected to carry the Royal Standard, which_ was presented to the Maoris at the time of their visit to, England in more recent years. He also took a prominent part in native receptions to members ,of the Royal Family- and vice regal visitors, while since the death of Mita Taupopoki early this year he had taken a leading part in the affairs on the marac, particularly welcomes to visiting parties from overseas. He was also a member of tho Whakarewarewa Komiti Marac, to which his knowledge and understanding of his own people and also his support in efforts to improve the appearance and condition of the pa, have proved of considerable assistance.

It is'anticipated that the tangi will lie the largest since the death of Mita Ta upopoki. and that many visiting parties will attend from ali parts of the Bay of Plenty district.